School Nurse

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SUBSIDIARY: Fairwold Academy

JOB OVERVIEW:

The School Nurse provides comprehensive health assessments and crisis management services and provides direct services to ensure that the school’s health program, as defined by the Pennsylvania School Code, Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of School Health Regulations, and PHMC is carried out according to the specifics in the Law and within the parameters established for Fairwold Academy. This position manages the school health program and maintains comprehensive health records for each student to improve the health status of students, enabling them to profit fully from their educational experiences, and to promote optimum health status for all students. The School Nurse collaborates with school personnel and external service providers to meet individual students’ needs. The School Nurse reports to the Director of Specialized Services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, organize, and monitor the school health program across the Fairwold campus; prepare comprehensive health histories, schedule admission and periodic medical examinations for students, conduct annual and periodic health screening tests.
• Interpret the assessed health status to students, their parents, and school personnel; counsel in planning action for dealing with health problems that interfere with effective learning, refer students and parents to community sources of healthcare, counseling, and financial assistance; conduct follow-up procedures. Maintain comprehensive health records for each student including findings of screenings and examination; management of health problems.
• Provide medical information to the IEP team.
• Maintain the school health room; provide care in case of illness or injury; provide treatment in accordance with standing medical orders; advocate for a safe school environment; be alert to possible health and safety hazards.
• Administer and chart student’s medications prescribed by their physicians.
• Provide specialized nursing care for students with chronic conditions; as needed, perform procedures such as catheterization, tube feeding, and tracheotomy care; oversee activities of ancillary personnel.
• Provide health counseling for students, parents, and school staff aimed at encouraging students to take responsibility for their health care, in individual and/or group lessons as appropriate.
• Assist teachers in providing instruction in various health-related topics to students.
• Arrange medical treatment in the event of an emergency.
• Document student/staff injuries requiring more than first aid.
• Conduct staff in-service training on various medically related topics.
• Record health program data for evaluation, research, and continuity of school nursing.
• Serve as a member of health-related Fairwold and PHMC committees as directed.
• Maintain a viable health communications network; function as a member of an interdisciplinary school team including principals, counselors, and teachers.
• Provide assistance as needed in the classrooms.
• Assist with problem-solving client attendance or enrollment issues.
• Participate in regular meetings with staff to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good, and communication is open. Develop additional methods for ongoing effective communication
• Model traits of a responsible team member, executing job responsibilities, open communication, and good follow-through. Support team members to do the same.
• Demonstrate use and support of trauma-informed care in all aspects of employment, including interactions with clients/students, family members, other employees, community members, and stakeholders.
• Respond promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities, and other program staff.
• Demonstrate commitment to being trauma-informed and maintaining a therapeutic community that promotes safety and nonviolence as the basis for all we do with clients/students and staff.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of how trauma impacts childhood development and behaviors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Routine school environment
• Employee may be involved in de-escalating student behaviors using Fairwold-approved techniques.
• Potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• May transport students in agency or personal vehicle in accordance with PA Dept. of Transportation requirements and agency procedures
• Ability to independently utilize routine office equipment
• Ability to independently travel outside of the agency
• The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of public health and pediatric nursing and the relationship of school health programs to other health and welfare programs
• Knowledge of community organizations and facilities related to school health nursing
• Knowledge of school health standards and methods of appraising school health and related programs
• Ability to administer First Aid, CPR, and AED
• Ability to gain confidence and cooperation from students
• Ability to interpret public health and education regulations
• Ability to provide care to injured or ill students
• Ability to instruct and supervise others in the care of students
• Ability to communicate accurately and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Demonstrates personal integrity, initiative, problem-solving, creativity, analytical skills, and follow-through
• Ability to multi-task and be in control of numerous tasks at any one time
• Ability to handle a variety of duties which may be interrupted or changed by immediate circumstances
• Strong computer skills in all Microsoft Office applications and other health record applications

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive school program for students, following the guidelines of the Pennsylvania School Code, Pennsylvania DOH Regulations, the Division of School Health guidelines, PA DOE Regulations, and PHMC policies.
• Use data to plan and evaluate the school health program.
• Provide up-to-date information for school personnel on subjects regarding growth and development patterns of children, first aid practice, accident prevention, and communicable disease regulations.
• Provide direct services to students in accordance with current medical practice and nursing standards, relevant statutes, and regulations for mandated screenings, acute and chronic disease, and first aid for illness or injury. Review and monitor student immunization status and other comprehensive health records.
• Administer medications and perform procedures according to physician orders and school policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with school personnel and agencies to ensure continuity of service and care of students, including the coordination of medical and dental examinations with the school program.
• Actively participate in individual education programs (IEP), medical or developmental programs, and Chapter 14 and 15 review and evaluation teams. Provide information to these teams as required.
• Plan for the environmental needs of the school and advise school officials of environmental adjustments necessary to meet the needs of physically challenged individuals.
• Plan for first aid services and instruct personnel responsible for giving first aid.
• Serve as a resource person to facilitate learning of positive health and wellness behaviors for students and staff.
• Arrange or teach in-service programs for school personnel in first aid, emergency care procedures, and current health issues.
• Assist in budget preparation by advising school administration on the health program and facilities.
• Prepare and present all school health reports.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State Board of Nursing, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Degree from an accredited college or university and completion of an accredited nursing program
• Certification as an Educational Specialist by the Pennsylvania Department of Education desired, or willingness to earn the certification

EXPERIENCE:

• Five years of full-time, professional nursing experience, preferably in a school setting
• Knowledge of current Child Abuse Laws and CPR/AED certification required
• Strongly preferred: Experience in settings with children and young adults with emotional and mental health conditions

SALARY GRADE: 21

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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